US women duo takes gold medal of 2012 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tournament
Nothing less was expected from the US female tandem of Jenny Kropp and Whitney Pavlik as they entered the competition with a firm ambition of victory.
The US team secured the top position at 2012 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tournament in Guatemala on Sunday. They defeated home duo of Susana Alvarado and Lourdes Ramirez in straight sets. The final set scores were 21-18 and 21-15.
The sandy shore of Campo Marte provided the backdrop for the influential final four matches of NORCECA Circuit Tournament. The final match of the tournament was attended by huge number of volleyball enthusiasts. It was the weekend and most of the people
showed up on Campo Marte.
Previously, the American pair attended the 2011 edition of the NORCECA Beach Circuit Tournament in Guatemala but finished only in the fifth slot. The final spot was secured by Heather Bansley and Elizabeth Maloney of Canada. The defending Canadian duo did
not participate in this year’s competition, which created a perfect opportunity for Kropp and Pavlik to capture the top slot.
Meanwhile, it is the best ever finish for the hosts as none of the Guatemalan pairs has reached the finals of the competition in the history of the NORCECA Circuit.
Speaking of the final match, the undefeated US duo kicked off the action with mighty serves and aces. Both players on the team complimented each other and quickly traded positions during the first set. They dragged the hosts under pressure by throwing long
cross court shots. Pavlik directed the ball in corners and there was no chance for Guatemala pair to dig it.
Nonetheless, the home supporters backed up the local team and encouraged them to score some points. The home duo fought bravely but could not match is performance with the US team, which claimed first frame 21-18.
The visiting duo came out firing in the second set and continue with success. The good chemistry of Pavlik and Kropp created trouble for the home players. Guatemalan pair dropped second set after scoring 15 points, while US team seized the gold medal.
The American duo expressed delight about their victory and also appreciated the support of fans. Pavlik shared her thoughts after the match, “The crowd was great, we enjoyed the whole tournament specially winning the gold.”
Elsewhere, Elia Torrez and Swan Mendoza of Nicaragua settled for the bronze-ware. They were challenged by Anthazia Mason and Shari Mathews of Barbados in the classification match on Sunday. The third-position match lasted three sets, while Nicaragua eventually
emerged as the victorious side. The NCA pair dropped the opening set of the match but worked out great progress in the following two sets. They posted 2-1 (17-21, 21-18, 15-7) on board to claim win over Barbados team.
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